Functional pseudotyping of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 vectors by Western equine encephalitis virus envelope glycoprotein.

We investigated the ability of western equine encephalitis virus envelope glycoproteins (WEEV GP) to pseudotype lentiviral vectors. The titers of WEEV GP-pseudotyped human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV) ranged as high as 8.0 x 10(4) IU/ml on permissive cells.

Titers of HIV-based vectors encoding shRNAs are reduced by a dicer-dependent mechanism.

Gene transfer vectors encoding short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) are useful in deciphering gene function, and are being considered for therapeutic knockdown of target genes in humans. We constructed HIV-based vectors encoding shRNA against HIV coreceptor chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 5 (CCR5). Initially we noted that vectors encoding CCR5 shRNA showed >30-fold lower viral titers than those of the empty vector.

The influence of aerobic fitness and fibromyalgia on cardiorespiratory and perceptual responses to exercise in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Objective: To investigate cardiorespiratory and perceptual responses to exercise in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), accounting for comorbid fibromyalgia (FM) and controlling for aerobic fitness.

Methods: Twenty-nine patients with CFS only, 23 patients with CFS plus FM, and 32 controls completed an incremental bicycle test to exhaustion. Cardiorespiratory and perceptual responses were measured.

Exercise and cognitive performance in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Purpose: To determine the effect of submaximal steady-state exercise on cognitive performance in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) alone, CFS with comorbid fibromyalgia FM (CFS + FM), and sedentary healthy controls (CON).

Methods: Twenty CFS-only patients, 19 CFS + FM, and 26 CON completed a battery of cognitive tests designed to assess speed of information processing, variability, and efficiency. Tests were performed at baseline, immediately before, and twice following 25 min of either cycle ergometry set at 40% of peak oxygen capacity or quiet rest.

Fatigue in the elderly population.

Fatigue in the elderly population is a complex phenomenon. Although a number of factors contributing to the fatigue have been identified, its basic mechanism remains elusive. Additional research on prevalence, identification, diagnosis, severity of fatigue, and associated factors and the role of exercise as an effective treatment modality could lead to a better understanding of the causal factors.